13 Most Diverse Directors In Movie History

4. Robert Altman

Robert Altman Julianne Moore Madeleine Stowe Short Cuts
Fine Line Features

Five-time Best Director Oscar nominee Robert Altman was a true original filmmaker beyond all compare, starting out in documentaries (The James Dean Story) before venturing on to crush every genre going.

Altman took on sci-fi (Countdown, Quintet), war (M.A.S.H., Streamers), experimental fantasy (Brewster McCloud), westerns (McCabe and Mrs. Miller), psychological horror (Images), neo noir (The Long Goodbye), musicals (Nashville, Popeye), a rom-com (A Perfect Couple), teen comedy (O.C. and Stiggs), a biopic (Vincent and Theo), black comedy (The Player), anthology drama (Short Cuts), a legal thriller (The Gingerbread Man), and a mystery drama (Gosford Park).

Altman didn't always nail total home-runs, but as if being one of the most innovative directors in cinema history wasn't enough, he bravely employed his unique approach on an insanely wide array of movies. There will never be another just like him.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.